'Backache' forces Minister to postpone crucial presser

Islamabad, July 23: Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Sunday postponed his much- anticipated news conference citing a severe backache, amid reports of a “patch-up” between Prime Minister waz Sharif and his upset yet powerful cabinet member.
The Interior Minister was expected to address a crucial presser and voice his reservations on policies of the Pakistan Muslim League-waz (PML-N) leadership. However, he has denied reports that he would announce his resigtion. Chaudhry Nisar has been recommended complete bed rest, and the press conference has been rescheduled for Monday at 5 p.m., his spokesperson said, according to Dawn. Requesting the media to stop unnecessary speculations on the matter, the statement said the postponement of the Interior Minister’s presser was caused by his ill health. Earlier, TV channels had reported that federal ministers Saad Rafiq, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Ra Tanvir Hussain met Chaudhry Nisar on Saturday to persuade him to cancel his press conference where, the channels claimed, he would announce an end to his 35-year association with Prime Minister Sharif.  (IANS)